Here are some our favorite local restaurants with great party platter options. Whether searching for a whole meal or a party tray idea to bring to the next neighborhood event, we’ve got you covered. Some of these places aren’t great for dining in but they are all great for a party platter.
Brew Hawg for Ribs
(665 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92867)
Brew Hawg in our opinion has the best ribs in the area. This is another unassuming strip mall location that doesn’t have the best dine-in atmosphere but their ribs are great. If you’re looking for a completely catered BBQ meal we’d recommend Wood Ranch which checks all the boxes from their BBQ meats to appetizers, such as the shredded onions or spinach-artichoke dip.
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A post shared by Brew Hawg BBQ & Root Beer Co (@brewhawg) on Aug 17, 2018 at 11:37am PDT
Crab Cooker for Seafood
(17260 E. 17th St Tustin CA 92680)
There are limited options for fresh seafood nearby and local grocery stores are usually hit or miss at best. For consistently great seafood checkout the to-go fish market at the Crab Cooker. Their smoked salmon is a must but you can’t go wrong with the cocktail shrimp, Dungeness crab or anything else in the display case. Their seasonal holiday dip is a must as well.
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A post shared by The Crab Cooker (@thecrabcooker) on Aug 15, 2018 at 3:17pm PDT
Darya for Chicken and Rice
(1998 N. Tustin St. Orange, CA 92865)
Darya’s family style charbroiled boneless chicken breast on a bed of basmati rice topped with saffron rice is ideal for a party platter main meal. Add the maust appetizer, yogurt and cucumber, or hummus for an even better experience.
(4327 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92869)
Mattern Deli continues this list of unassuming places to find great food. This spot has been around for over 30 years and if you’ve never stepped foot in this place it’s still possible you’ve had one of their sausages. Mattern’s sausages are served throughout the U.S., including at the Orange Circle Street Fair. From Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Polish Kielbasa to Frankfurters you can’t go wrong. However, for this platter you will need to cook and slice the sausage and include toothpicks. Also, while you’re there try the Bologna which is nothing like the inexpensive Baloney you grew up on.
Poke Dot for Poke Bowls
(17921 MacArthur Blvd, Irvine, CA 92614)
Poke Dot has the best poke bowls in Orange County and because there is always a line out the door you can guarantee the sushi will be fresh. They have small to large size catering bowls that can be ordered for your next event.
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A post shared by Poke Dot (@pokedotlove) on Aug 14, 2017 at 7:37pm PDT
Costco for Everything
Costco party platters are always a perfect option. They have shrimp, sushi and vegetable trays and an assortment of frozen and refrigerated options that can be quickly prepared.